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SDCC ’12 | Friday programming schedule released

Like clockwork, Comic-Con International organizers have released the programming schedule for Friday, July 13, the second full day of the San Diego convention. It sees publishers kicking things into high gear, with Marrvel’s “Cup O’ Joe” and DC Comics panels on the New 52 and Justice League and Green Lantern groups, as well as presentations from IDW Publishing, Oni Press, BOOM! Studios, UDON, and Fantagraphics and Drawn & Quarterly.

That’s only for starters, though, as AMC’s The Walking Dead, Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The CW’s Arrow make Comic-Con appearances, and creators as diverse as Joss Whedon, Kate Beaton, Larry Hama, Scott Snyder, Lynn Johnston, Dan Piraro, James Robinson and Jeff Lemire get the spotlight. There are also tributes to legendary creators Jerry Robinson and Joe Simon, as well as Comic-Con co-founder Richard Alf.

And to keep off the day, there’s the 24th annual Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

We’ve selected some of the comics-related highlights below; visit the Comic-Con website to see the complete schedule.

10:00-11:00 DC Comics: From Concept to Page— What does it take to create a new comic book? Find out at this amazing panel, where for the first time DC has assembled the entire creative team of a comic book, including the editor, writer, penciler, and inker. Learn how a new project is developed before the script is even written, and the many steps that happen after the artwork is complete, with DCE’s group editor Mike Marts, editor Brian Cunningham and the creative team behind Flash — Brian Buccellato and Francis Manapul. Room 6DE

10:00-11:00 Remembering Jerry Robinson and Joe Simon— Jerry Robinson was a key artist on Batman in the 1940s, the co-creator of The Joker, and later an accomplished newspaper strip artist and political cartoonist. Joe Simon was half of the legendary team of Simon and [Jack] Kirby, the co-creator of Captain America and other Simon-Kirby classics, and later the creator/editor of Sick magazine. We’ve recently lost both of these legendary figures in comics, so let’s pause to remember them along with Paul Levitz, Michael Uslan, Anthony Tollin, Marv Wolfman, Paul Dini, Batton Lash, and moderator Mark Evanier. Room 9

10:15-11:15 Go Green! With the Lean, Mean, Ninja Team -Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!— Experience Nickelodeon’s very first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Comic-Con panel, as executive producer Ciro Nieli (Super Robot Monkey Team Hyper Force Go!) sets up the new series and unveils never-before-seen footage. Meet the incredible Ninja cast: Jason Biggs (voice of Leonardo), Sean Astin (voice of Raphael), Greg Cipes (voice of Michelangelo), Rob Paulsen (voice of Donatello), Kevin Michael Richardson (voice of Shredder), Hoon Lee (voice of Splinter), and Mae Whitman (voice of April O’Neil). Hear and see the radical undertaking of this 25-year-old property and some of the creative insights that have taken it to new and reinvigorating heights. Prepare to be shell-shocked! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon. Room 6BCF

10:30-11:30 Dan Piraro and Bizarro: 10,000 Cartoons and Counting— Comic-Con special guest Dan Piraro (Bizarro) presents an overview of his 27-year career, including his favorite cartoons, some unpublished sketchbook images, travel stories, and anecdotes about his auxiliary career as a stand-up comic. The talk will conclude with a short Q & A session. Room 8

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 202: Royalties, Residuals and (No) Regrets— With record-setting box office returns comes renewed interest in comic book and popular culture properties. Don’t be dazzled by the prospect of having your name up on the big screen or big potential paydays without the legal background necessary to understand what the contract actually says. And even the most brilliant negotiators cannot hope to succeed without an understanding of the business models used by the companies making an offer. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is back and ready to tackle a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers, particularly once they’ve “broken through” and have started publishing and selling (and maybe merchandising or media, too). This second Comic Book Law School session addresses some of the complicated issues surrounding marketing properties and creative ideas, including: transfers and licensing of rights; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; and the key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as Lovitz (ably assisted by entertainment attorney Mona Metwalli) covers various means for profiting from creative works and explores the many important elements that form the foundation of every contract (and time permitting, maybe participate in a mock contract negotiation). This year they are joined by CPA/CFF Dean Bower, who will be presenting tales of Hollywood and big business audits. (Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]) Room 11AB

11:00-12:00 Mike Mignola and Friends— As we watch the world collapse in the pages of B.P.R.D.-Hell on Earth and gear up for the most-anticipated series in Hellboy’s history later this year, this may be the most important panel in the history of one of modern comics’ most storied series. Join creator Mike Mignola, editor Scott Allie, Cameron Stewart, James Harren, B.P.R.D. artist Tyler Crook and others, for exclusive news and insight into why the world of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is truly “going to hell in 2012”! Room 4

11:00-12:00 Siegel and Shuster and Finger— Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created a character you may have heard of. Bill Finger co-created one or two himself. These men are the subjects of two new books that unlock many secrets as to how some young men gave the world some of the greatest icons of fantasy ever. Hear Larry Tye (author of Superman: The High-Flying History of America’s Most Enduring Hero) and Marc Tyler Nobleman (author of Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman) as both discuss their works with moderator Mark Evanier. Room 9

11:00-12:00 The Artist’s Way— You’ve seen their work. How did they get there? Comic-Con 2012 features an incredible line-up of special guests who are artists: Tim Bradstreet, Gary Gianni, Joe Jusko, Mark Schultz, Jim Silke, and Tom Yeates. This panel explores the artist’s way, delving into technique, tools, inspiration, and more. Find out how these artists deal with deadlines, blank pages, and clogged pens in this casual and immensely informative conversation moderated by Comic-Con’s director of print and publications, Gary Sassaman. Room 23ABC

11:00-12:00 Avatar Press: Hero Worship in Film and Comics— Zak Penn, screenwriter and director extraordinaire, discusses his long career in bringing comic superheroes to film. From his work with Marvel’s mutants on X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand, to the development of his Alphas television series for Syfy, to his countless other big-screen successes (including Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, and the summer’s biggest blockbuster, The Avengers), he’ll cover it all. Also, Scott Murphy (writer on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) will join Zak on stage to discuss Hero Worship, their groundbreaking new superhero comic published by Avatar Press. Room 24ABC

11:00-12:00 JManga: The Future of Digital Manga— It’s been one year since the launch of JManga.com, the world’s first official and legal manga portal website. Find out where the international manga scene is headed. See what’s new on JManga and what’s on the way. Panelists to be announced. Room 25ABC

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Herb Trimpe— Comic-Con special guest Herb Trimpe carved out his own legendary place in the Marvel Universe starting in the 1960s. His incredible work on the Incredible Hulk, along with his other art on series such as G.I. Joe, Transformers, Godzilla, and many more, have made him a fan-favorite artist. Trimpe talks about his career in this special spotlight panel. Room 32AB

11:15-12:15 DC Comics: Superman— Since the launch of the New 52, Superman has been flying higher than ever. Group editor Matt Idelson and super talents Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Scott Lodbell (Superman), and Bryan Q. Miller (Smallville Season 11) take fans new and old up, up and away with a sneak peek at what’s in store for Superman. Room 6DE

11:30-12:30 Remixed Fairy Tales and Superhero Lore— Between this year’s Mirror Mask and Snow White and the Huntsman and forthcoming retellings of Beauty and the Beast and Hansel and Gretel — not to mention recent reexaminations such as Soon I Shall Be Invincible and The Magicians — the mythology of fairy tales and superheroes is embedded in our popular culture. But some of the characters aren’t quite what they used to be. Discuss the enduring power of these archetypes and how they can also be reinterpreted with panelists Sarah Maas (Throne of Glass), Marissa Meyer (Cinder), Rae Carson (The Girl of Fire and Thorns), Paul Tobin (Prepare to Die), Tom King (A Once Crowded Sky), Michael Scott (The Enchantress), Tracy Hickman (Wayne of Gotham), and Cecil Castellucci (The Year of the Beasts). Moderated by David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 5AB

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Lynn Johnston— The award-winning cartoonist and Comic-Con special guest reflects on her long career with her “family” of characters in For Better or For Worse, the mega-popular syndicated comic strip. Lynn Johnston talks about the strip and what she’s doing now. Room 8

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Larry Hama— Comic-Con special guest Larry Hama’s incredible diverse career-in comics, illustration, and acting-could fill hours of spotlight panel time. Join the writer/artist/actor as he talks about his career and his latest work on his signature series, G. I. Joe. Room 4

12:00-1:00 CBLDF: The History of Comics Censorship— Learn the shocking history of comics censorship and how even today comics and the people who make, sell, and read them are threatened. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the sordid tale, from the public book burnings and Senate hearings that led to the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s through the attacks on Underground comix in the 1970s and retailer busts in the 1980s up to modern attacks on readers and artists. This program includes the latest research on comics censorship, including new cases developing this year. Come learn about your rights and how the CBLDF works to protect them. Room 11AB

12:00-1:00 Lenore Turns 20— Celebrations are in order! Lenore is 20 years old in 2012. Roman Dirge discusses his new Lenore collection Swirlies, upcoming comics, merchandise, and more. Join the artist/magician himself for this exclusive journey into the unique world of Roman Dirge, with a one-on-one interview with moderator Andrew Sumner plus a Q&A session. Room 23ABC

12:00-1:00 Oni Press: RevolutiONIze Comics— Often imitated but never duplicated! Get up close and personal with trend-setting indie comic powerhouse Oni Press. Join in the Q&A with your favorite Oni creators Brian Hurtt, Cullen Bunn, Rich Stevens, Scott C., Matt Dembicki, and Brahm Revel and get a sneak peek at upcoming Oni projects with news on Oni Press fan initiatives. There’ll be free Oni comics, prizes, and more. Guaranteed by Oni Press’s totally biased employees to be “the most fun you’ve ever had at a panel.” Room 32AB

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Ultimate Comics— The Ultimate Universe will be shaken to its core in the mega-event Divided We Fall. But what happens after the fall? Find out with writer Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), Ultimate Comics editor Sana Amanat, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others as they detail the shocking revelations surrounding Divided We Fall. Room 6DE

12:30-1:30 Judge Dredd 35th Anniversary— It’s an exciting year for Judge Dredd-not only does he turn 35 but he has a big-budget movie coming, a brand-new IDW series launching, and more. IDW’s Chris Ryall, Dredd movie concept artist Jock, 2000 AD’s Matt Smith and Ben Smith, and some very special guests join moderator Douglas Wolk to announce the creative team of IDW’s series, talk about the return of the Dark Judges, and much more. Room 8

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Michael E. Uslan, The Boy Who Loved Batman— Comic-Con special guest Michael Uslan is the originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise, from Tim Burton’s Batman to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises and such animated Batman films as The Dark Knight Returns and Batman Year One. An original fanboy who attended the world’s very first comic con 49 years ago, he went on to write such comic books and graphic novels as Batman: Detective #27, Detective Comics, The Shadow, Archie Gets Married, The Spirit Black & White, and The Question. He won an Emmy Award for bringing Where Is Carmen San Diego to television. His memoir, The Boy Who Loved Batman, tells the story of his life-long quest to bring a dark and serious version of The Dark Knight to the Silver Screen. Q&A and a book signing following. Introduction by David Uslan of Graphicly. Room 9

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Jason Shiga— With the publication of his graphic novel Meanwhile, Jason Shiga’s years of innovating an interactive practice for creating comics reached popular audiences. Now go behind the scenes with the author as he showcases his working methods and shows you the secrets of creating interactive choose-your-own adventure comics! The pieces created in this Master Session will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction on Saturday night. Room 11AB

1:00-2:00 Bongo: Mylo Zyloto— Every album begins with the germ of an idea, every song tells a story, and now it is finally revealed that there is a secret narrative behind Coldplay’s newest hit album and its enigmatic title Mylo Xyloto. Three years ago, frontman Chris Martin teamed up with Mark Osborne (Kung Fu Panda, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, and the upcoming The Little Prince) to develop the epic story that has gone on to inspire such chart-toppers as “Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall,” “Paradise,” and “Princess of China.” Join the creative team behind the new comic miniseries Mylo Xyloto — Alejandro Fuentes, Steve Hamaker, and Dylan Haggerty — and prepare to experience the sights and sounds of Coldplay in a whole new way. Room 23ABC

1:00-2:00 Horror on the Paneled Page— Some of comics’ biggest horror creators share their most frightening nightmares, talk about lines that even they won’t cross, and comment on the current horror trends in comics and other media in this in-depth discussion lead by AICN Comics/AICN Horror editor Mark L. Miller (The Jungle Book). Joshua Hale Fialkov (I, Vampire), Alan Robert (Wire Hangers), Brandon Seifert (Witch Doctor), David Quinn (Faust), Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller), and some surprise guests talk about what does and doesn’t work in horror comic books. Room 24ABC

1:25-2:25 AMC’s The Walking Dead— Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, and introducing Danai Gurira as Michonne and David Morrissey as The Governor join executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, and special effects makeup supervisor and co-executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the wildly successful second season of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 3, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 3. Hall H

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Kate Beaton— Comic-Con special guest Kate Beaton, the cartoonist behind the wildly popular webcomic Hark! A Vagrant and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, presents an overview of her work. Room 5AB

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Nate Powell— Writer/artist and Comic-Con special guest Nate Powell (Any Empire, The Silence of Our Friends, Swallow Me Whole, The Year of the Beasts) offers a presentation and Q&A session of his work and its content, influences, and early glimpses of several newly announced book projects. Room 9

2:00-3:00 BOOM! Studios: Adventure Time Comic Book— What time is it? It’s Adventure Time! The top-rated Cartoon Network show is now a bestselling comic book published by KaBOOM! You won’t want to miss this all-star panel featuring the show’s creator Pendleton Ward, along with series artists Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (Ice Age) and writer/artist Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie) of the new miniseries Marceline and the Scream Queens, as they discuss what’s next for the Land of Ooo in the world of comics. Room 23ABC

2:00-3:00 Nappy Hour— Keith Knight (the K Chronicles, The Knight Life) returns with his lightning quick roundtable discussion, armed with his trusty kitchen timer! This time around the gentleman cartoonist grills Publishers Weekly’s Calvin Reid, professor/artist/graphic designer John Jennings (Black Comix), and, back by popular demand, the force of nature known as C. Spike Trotman (Templar, AZ, Poorcraft). Room 24ABC

2:00-3:00 No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics— Queer cartooning has been one of the most vibrant artistic and countercultural movements of the past 40 years, tackling complex issues of identity and changing social mores with intelligence, humor, and an irreverent imagination. No Straight Lines, a massive anthology published by Fantagraphics Books, is the most definitive collection to date of this material, showcasing everything from lesbian underground comix, to gay newspaper strips, bi punk zines, and trans webcomics. The editor of the book, Justin Hall (Glamazonia the Uncanny Super Tranny, Hard To Swallow) moderates an all-star panel of some of the true greats of LGBTQ comics: Alison Bechdel (Fun Home, Dykes to Watch Out For), Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Trina Robbins (Wimmen’s Comix), and Eric Shanower (Age of Bronze). Room 25ABC

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Chew: John Layman and Rob Guillory— Writer/letterer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory discuss the past, present, and future of their New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-winning cannibal cop crime comedy Chew from Image Comics. Marvel over Layman’s preternatural handsomeness, while Guillory engages the audience with his sardonic wit. Room 8

3:00-4:00 Mattel and DC Comics: A Heroic Partnership— Fans of Mattel’s popular DC toy lines will find out all the latest news, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes scoop on their favorite Mattel/ DC action figures, including the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises film, kid and collector releases from Batman, and more. Get a look at how a toy line is created, and participate in the Q&A with a special panel of Mattel toy team members. Room 4

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on James Robinson— Comic-Con special guest James Robinson has constantly put a new spin on superheroes. From his early work on The Golden Age and Starman to his current reworking of DC’s Earth 2 concept, Robinson is one of comics’ most thought-provoking writers…and he gives great panel, too. Hear James talk about his career, and ask him your own questions. Room 9

3:00-4:00 Drawing DC— There are as many ways to draw comics as there are comics artists-and at this panel, you’ll see some of DC’s top talent draw while they discuss their work. Mark Chiarello, DC’s VP for art direction and design chats with artists Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares, Batman Beyond), and others. Room 11AB

3:00-4:00 Arrow Screening and Q&A— Oliver Queen lives! The iconic DC Comics character will be the subject of a hard-hitting new drama series on The CW this fall. Arrow makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the full Arrow pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice) and Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), executive producers Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), and pilot director/executive producer David Nutter (Smallville). After being marooned for five years on a remote island, former billionaire playboy Oliver Queen returns to his home of Starling City with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall. Ballroom 20

3:00-4:00 Drawing on Your Nightmares: Horror in Comics— Throughout comics’ storied history, horror has been an important part of the medium. In the fall of 2012, Dark Horse unveils a whole slate of new titles guaranteed to have you running for the covers. Dark Horse horror line editor Scott Allie is joined by actor-turned-comics writer Lance Henrikson and creators Eric Powell (The Goon), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Paul Tobin (Colder), and others for an exciting look at this year’s most promising four-color thrills and chills! Room 23ABC

3:15-4:15 Marvel: Cup O’ Joe— This is it, Mighty Marvel fans-the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full-of-surprises panel you wait all year for! Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing, along with guests including Marvel’s head of television Jeph Loeb, SVP of creator and content development C. B. Cebulski, and editor-in-chief Axel Alonso. You never know who will show up, but you’d better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF

4:00-5:00 A Tribute to Richard Alf— Comic-Con began that day in 1969 when Richard Alf, age 17, drove his 1954 VW Bug to the San Diego community of Clairemont for a meeting with Shel Dorf. Accompanying Richard were two teenage comic dealer friends, and two more young comic fans joined them at Shel’s place. They liked Shel’s idea of a comic convention for San Diego, and soon Richard was devoting himself to the challenge of creating it. While co-chairman for the first Comic-Con, chairman for the second, and again co-chairman for the third, Richard provided business sense, funds, transportation, energy, hard work, enthusiasm, good cheer, and social vision that proved essential to establishing Comic-Con as a viable institution. Join moderator Mike Towry and panelists Earl Bookhammer, David Clark, William Clausen (Alf the Elf-Sized Epic), Ed Cormier, George Clayton Johnson (Twilight Zone), Greg Koudoulian, David McGlone, Clayton Moore, Paul Sammon (Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner), Dennis Smith, David Glanzer (Comic-Con International director of Marketing and PR), and Rob Ray (SDSU Comic-Con History Project) in paying tribute to Richard Alf. Room 9

4:00-5:00 Archaia: Transmedia in Graphic Novel Publishing— In this information-filled panel, fans will be treated to exclusive announcements, images, and videos on three sci-fi properties poised for a transmedia explosion, with Archaia’s upcoming graphic novels providing a cornerstone in each campaign. Room 23ABC

4:00-5:00 Valiantfans.com: The Unofficial “Summer of Valiant”— Valiant fans from across the world welcome you to the celebration of the landmark return of the Valiant Universe. What’s next after “The Summer Of Valiant”? Exclusive info and special panelists. Expect an exciting hour in an ask-anything panel, up close and personal. Q&A session moderated by Brian Wells (valiantfans.com). Room 28E

4:30-5:30 50th Anniversary of Marvel Superheroes— Fifty years ago Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Dick Ayers, Don Heck, and Larry Lieber created the Marvel Age of Comics when they introduced the Incredible Hulk, the Amazing Spider-Man, the Mighty Thor, the Astonishing Ant-Man, and the Invincible Iron Man, all in the course of one short year, 1962. Those characters have shown incredible endurance and staying power, still thrilling audiences today, on both the page and screen. Mark Evanier talks to Comic-Con special guests Stan Goldberg (a Marvel cartoonist and colorist in that storied year) and Incredible Hulk artist Herb Trimpe about the heroes that still thrill us five decades later. Room 5AB

4:30-5:30 Babymouse: Inside the Bubble!— Babymouse swept onto the graphic novel scene in 2005 and now has over 1.6 million copies in print. Comic-Con special guests Jennifer and Matthew Holm discuss how they create their critically acclaimed graphic novel series Babymouse and their bestselling pond scum-green series, Squish. Q&A session moderated by Scott Robins (A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics). Room 8

4:30-5:30 UDON 2012— Catch up on the latest releases and get the scoop on upcoming projects from the UDON crew, including comic and art book announcements you won’t want to miss! Included will be sneak peek artwork, insight into the recruiting process for new artists, and a chance to win some of the company’s hottest new books. Moderated by Chris Butcher (Toronto Comic Arts Festival, UDON’s director of marketing), with participants Erik Ko (UDON CEO), Jim Zubkavich (project manager), Matt Moylan (managing editor), and UDON artists Joe Ng (Street Fighter IV) and Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends). Room 26AB

4:45-5:45 The Writers’ Room with Jonathan Ross— Some of comics’ best writers talk with the UK’s famed radio/television presenter and comic book writer Jonathan Ross (Turf, America’s Got Powers) about the challenges, triumphs, and idiosyncrasies of the comics creative process. Find out how Image Comics titles like Fatale, Chew, Morning Glories, and The Walking Dead are conceived, written, and brought to the printed page from the writers who knew them from “PAGE ONE, PANEL ONE.” Panelists: Ed Brubaker, John Layman, and Robert Kirkman. Room 6A
5:00-6:00 SLG Publishing— SLG president Dan Vado talks about the company’s ongoing shift to digital first distribution. Vado will also be previewing upcoming titles, joined by artists Jef Bambas (Model A) and Stephen Coughlin. Room 4

5:00-6:00 Breaking into Comics Right Now!— If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Some of comic book publishing’s top decision makers, including IDW chief creative officer Chris Ryall, BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, Dark Horse managing editor Scott Allie, and Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik, give you up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry. Learn what you need to do to make your comic book dreams come true in a world where the Internet and social media have changed everything. This won’t be your grandfather’s “breaking into comics” panel. Room 9

5:00-6:00 Business of Webcomics— The forces behind Webcomics.com — Robert Khoo (Penny Arcade), Scott Kurtz (PvP), and Brad Guigar (Evil Inc) — present a primer on webcomics from the aspects of creativity, technology and a special focus on business. Room 24ABC

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Scott Snyder— Scott Snyder is arguably the hottest writer in comics today. His work on DC Comics-The New 52 Batman has propelled it to the top of the sales list. His reworking of the classic horror character Swamp Thing has put a whole new spin on the series while staying true to its roots (no pun intended). And his ground breaking Vertigo series with artist Raphael Albuquerque, American Vampire, is an award-winning fan favorite. Snyder makes his first appearance as a special guest at Comic-Con this year, and here’s your chance to find out what’s next for him and his books. Room 5AB

5:30-6:30 Marvel: The All-Winners Squad— Over the years Marvel has been known to assemble some of its greatest superheroes at SDCC. This year fans are invited to witness the introduction of an entirely new team (at least, they think they are great) as they take to the stage for the first time ever. You won’t believe your eyes (or ears) when you see this collection of awesomeness gather and share the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be a Marvel Superhero. Who are these mysterious superheroes? Welcome them to the Marvel A-List with moderator Morgan Spurlock. Plus, there’s always the promise of swag…but don’t hold Marvel to that! Room 8

5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon— Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here’s your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse’s line of Season 9 comics. Ballroom 20

5:30-6:30 D+Q & Fantagraphics— North America’s two most influential independent comics publishers, which have defined the literary comics medium for the past 25 years, preview their upcoming lists. Jacq Cohen (publicity director) and Eric Reynolds (associate publisher) of Fantagraphics, and Julia Pohl-Miranda (editorial marketing manager) and Tom Devlin (creative director) for D+Q present their 2012 and 2013 lists, with a few surprises. Room 26AB

5:30-6:30 Berserk— At long last, the dark fantasy epic Berserk, by creator Kentaro Muira, comes to the silver screen! Join Dark Horse Comics and VIZ Media in a rare interview with Eiko Tanaka, founder and CEO of Studio 4°C (Tekkonkinkreet, Animatrix, Batman). Find out what it really takes to transform this stark manga into an animated feature. Room 32AB

6:00-7:00 Are Digital Comics Expanding the Market?— Digital comics are the hottest trend in publishing today, exploding onto the screens of iPads, tablets, and phones everywhere. How is digital distribution transforming the industry and the market? Is digital opening the medium to a vast new global audience, or is it the death knell of comics as we know them? Author and futurist Rob Salkowitz (Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) leads a provocative, no-holds-barred discussion with the leaders of the digital comics revolution: comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts, Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, and IDW publisher Ted Adams. Room 9

6:30-7:30 Spotlight on Jeff Lemire with Scott Snyder— Acclaimed writer and cartoonist and Comic-Con special guest Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Sweet Tooth, Essex County) discusses his newest graphic novel The Underwater Welder as well as the end of Sweet Tooth and his upcoming work for DC Comics. The interview will be moderated by his friend, frequent collaborator, and comics superstar Scott Snyder (Batman, Amercian Vampire). Followed by a Q&A session in which Lemire and Snyder spill the beans on their upcoming Rotworld crossover in Animal Man and Swamp Thing. Room 5AB

6:30-7:30 Yen Press— The Yen Press crew return to San Diego for their annual sneak peek at forthcoming projects, fan Q&A, and of course some sweet giveaways to spread the love! Room 8

6:30-7:30 Arcana Comics— Get a sneak peek of The Clockwork Girl, featuring the voice talents of Jesse McCartney, Alexa Vega, Carrie Anne Moss and others, and Arcana’s new imprint, Steampunk Originals, featuring the most unique steampunk tales around, Arcana is set to explode into the steampunk world. Find out about other special projects, including a new line of books with the one and only Gene Simmons, featuring the return of Zipper, Dominatrix, and Gene Simmons’ House of Horror. Learn more about the ArcanaBenderspink line, being developed with the production company behind The Hangover and The Butterfly Effect. Sneak peeks, special guests, and free comics and posters-don’t miss out! Room 26AB

7:30-8:30 Making a Living in Manga— Now that Japanese comics have been available in English for over 30 years, several generations of artists inspired by manga are trying to live the Bakuman dream of being full-time comics creators. But in the superhero-centric North American comics market, are they fighting the odds? Comics creators Adam Warren (Empowered), Becky Cloonan (Demo, Conan the Barbarian), Fred Gallagher (Megatokyo), and Audra Furuichi (Nemu-Nemu), along with industry pros Christopher Butcher (blogger, Comics212.net; director, Toronto Comic Arts Festival), JuYoun Lee (senior editor, Yen Press), Erik Ko (editor-in-chief, UDON Entertainment), and moderator Deb Aoki (Manga editor, About.com), explain the ins and outs and ups and downs of making a living as a manga creator in North America. Room 8

8:00-10:30 Syfy Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards— The 24th annual Eisner Awards (the “Oscars” of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 28 categories. Presenters will include British talk show host/comics writer Jonathan Ross, actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Family Guy, Pee Wee’s Playhouse), and special guests Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Lynn Johnston (cartoonist, For Better or For Worse), Eric Powell (The Goon), Sergio Aragonés (cartoonist, MAD), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Michael Uslan (movie producer, Batman films), plus some special surprises! Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comics Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront